U.S. patent application number 15/723574 was filed with the patent office on 2019-04-04 for facilitating services using capability-based user interfaces.
The applicant listed for this patent is LEEO, INC.. Invention is credited to Michelle Bhatia, Jon Castor, Andrew Stevens.
Application Number | 20190102474 15/723574 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65896778 |
Filed Date | 2019-04-04 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190102474 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bhatia; Michelle ; et
al. |
April 4, 2019 |
FACILITATING SERVICES USING CAPABILITY-BASED USER INTERFACES
Abstract
A computer that performs an enrollment process and provides an
ordering process is described. During the enrollment process, the
computer provides first user-interface information for a first
electronic device that specifies an enrollment user interface
associated with first individual characteristics. In response to
receiving first user-interface activity that specifies enrollment
information for a service, the computer provides the enrollment
information to a second computer associated with the service.
Subsequently, during the ordering process, the computer provides
second user-interface information that specifies a service user
interface associated with second individual characteristics. For
example, a type of individual having the first individual
characteristics may be more used to using technology than a type of
individual having the second individual characteristics. In
response to receiving second user-interface activity that specifies
a request for an instance of the service, the computer provides the
request for the instance of the service to the second computer.
Inventors: |
Bhatia; Michelle; (Saratoga,
CA) ; Castor; Jon; (Woodside, CA) ; Stevens;
Andrew; (New York, NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
LEEO, INC. |
San Mateo |
CA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65896778 |
Appl. No.: |
15/723574 |
Filed: |
October 3, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 16/9577 20190101;
G06F 3/04812 20130101; H04L 67/306 20130101; G06F 3/04817
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G06F 17/30 20060101
G06F017/30; G06F 3/0481 20060101 G06F003/0481; H04L 29/08 20060101
H04L029/08 |
Claims
1. A computer, comprising: an interface circuit configured to
communicate with one or more electronic devices; a processor
coupled to the interface circuit; memory, coupled to the processor,
storing program instructions, wherein, when executed by the
processor, the program instructions causes the computer to perform
one or more operations comprising: performing an enrollment process
for multiple online services offered by one or more third parties,
wherein the online services are different from online shopping and
involve pre-specified deliverables, and wherein the enrollment
process comprises: providing, to the interface circuit, first
user-interface information for a first electronic device that
specifies an enrollment user interface associated with first
individual characteristics of a first type of individual;
receiving, from the interface circuit, first user-interface
activity associated with the first electronic device that specifies
enrollment information for the online services; and providing, to
the interface circuit, the enrollment information for a second
computer associated with the online services, wherein the providing
of the enrollment information involves establishing one or more
accounts for the online services, wherein the enrollment
information is associated with and is provided on behalf of a
second type of individual having second individual characteristics;
and subsequently providing an ordering process for an instance of
an online service in the online services, wherein the ordering
process comprises: providing, to the interface circuit, second
user-interface information for a second electronic device that
specifies a service user interface associated with the second
individual characteristics of the second type of individual,
wherein the service user interface comprises information that
specifies the online services; receiving, from the interface
circuit, second user-interface activity associated with the second
electronic device that specifies a request for the instance of the
online service in the online services; and providing, to the
interface circuit, the request for the instance of the online
service for the second computer, wherein the request includes
information specifying a physical address or location where the
instance of the online service is to be performed by a third party
in the one or more third parties to an individual having the second
individual characteristics, and wherein the instance of the online
service is provided external to the electronic device, the second
electronic device or the second computer.
2. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the first type of
individual is more experienced in using technology than the second
type of individual.
3. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the service user
interface is a common user interface that is used for each of the
online services when performing the ordering process.
4. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the second type of
individual has different capabilities than the first type of
individual.
5. The electronic device of claim 4, wherein the different
capabilities include at least one of different physical, mental or
learning capabilities.
6. (canceled)
7. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the online services
are associated with one or more third parties that are different
from a provider of the enrollment process and the ordering
process.
8. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the online services
comprise two or more of: a transportation-related service, a
food-related service, and a healthcare-related service.
9. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein, relative to the
enrollment user interface, the service user interface has one or
more: a larger font size, a slower refresh rate, a longer timeout
interval, displays information closer to a center of a display, a
larger strike area associated with a virtual command icon based on
hand jitter, different contrast, simplified inputs, simplified
navigation, easier error recovery, a notification, a reminder, an
alarm, text information to guide use of the service user interface,
or acoustic information to guide use of the service user
interface.
10. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the service user
interface is based on a learning style in the second individual
characteristics.
11. The electronic device of claim 1, wherein the service user
interface is based on technical risk aversion in the second
individual characteristics.
12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for use in
conjunction with a computer, the computer-readable storage medium
storing program instructions, wherein, when executed by the
computer, the program instructions cause the computer to perform an
enrollment process and provide an ordering process by performing
one or more operations comprising: performing the enrollment
process for multiple online services offered by one or more third
parties, wherein the online services are different from online
shopping and involve pre-specified, and wherein the enrollment
process comprises: providing, to an interface circuit in the
computer, first user-interface information for a first electronic
device that specifies an enrollment user interface associated with
first individual characteristics of a first type of individual;
receiving, from the interface circuit, first user-interface
activity associated with the first electronic device that specifies
enrollment information for the online services; and providing, to
the interface circuit, the enrollment information for a second
computer associated with the online services, wherein the providing
of the enrollment information involves establishing one or more
accounts for the online services, wherein the enrollment
information is associated with and is provided on behalf of a
second type of individual having second individual characteristics;
and subsequently providing the ordering process for an instance of
an online service in the online services, wherein the ordering
process comprises: providing, to the interface circuit, second
user-interface information for a second electronic device that
specifies a service user interface associated with the second
individual characteristics of the second type of individual,
wherein the service user interface comprises information that
specifies the online services; receiving, from the interface
circuit, second user-interface activity associated with the second
electronic device that specifies a request for the instance of the
online service in the online services; and providing, to the
interface circuit, the request for the instance of the online
service for the second computer, wherein the request includes
information specifying a physical address or location where the
instance of the online service is to be provided by a third party
in the one or more third parties to an individual having the second
individual characteristics, and wherein the instance of the online
service is provided external to the electronic device, the second
electronic device or the second computer.
13. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the
service user interface is a common user interface that is used for
each of the online services when performing the ordering
process.
14. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the
second type of individual has different physical, mental or
learning capabilities than the first type individual.
15. (canceled)
16. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the
online services are associated with one or more third parties that
are different from a provider of the enrollment process and the
ordering process.
17. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the
online services comprise two or more of: a transportation-related
service, a food-related service, and a healthcare-related
service.
18. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein,
relative to the enrollment user interface, the service user
interface has one or more: a larger font size, a slower refresh
rate, a longer timeout interval, displays information closer to a
center of a display, a larger strike area associated with a virtual
command icon based on hand jitter, different contrast, simplified
inputs, simplified navigation, easier error recovery, a
notification, a reminder, an alarm, text information to guide use
of the service user interface, or acoustic information to guide use
of the service user interface.
19. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the
service user interface is based on at least one of: a learning
style in the second individual characteristics, or technical risk
aversion in the second individual characteristics.
20. A method for performing an enrollment process and providing an
ordering process, the method comprising: by a computer: performing
the enrollment process for multiple online services offered by one
or more third parties, wherein the online services are different
from online shopping and involve pre-specified, and wherein the
enrollment process comprises: providing, to an interface circuit in
the computer, first user-interface information for a first
electronic device that specifies an enrollment user interface
associated with first individual characteristics of a first type of
individual; receiving, from the interface circuit, first
user-interface activity associated with the first electronic device
that specifies enrollment information for the online services; and
providing, to the interface circuit, the enrollment information for
a second computer associated with the online services, wherein the
providing of the enrollment information involves establishing one
or more accounts for the online services, wherein the enrollment
information is associated with and is provided on behalf of a
second type of individual having second individual characteristics;
and subsequently providing the ordering process for an instance of
an online service in the online services, wherein the ordering
process comprises: providing, to the interface circuit, second
user-interface information for a second electronic device that
specifies a service user interface associated with the second
individual characteristics of the second type of individual,
wherein the service user interface comprises information that
specifies the online services; receiving, from the interface
circuit, second user-interface activity associated with the second
electronic device that specifies a request for the instance of the
online service in the online services; and providing, to the
interface circuit, the request for the instance of the online
service for the second computer, wherein the request includes
information specifying a physical address or location where the
instance of the online service is to be provided by a third party
in the one or more third parties to an individual having the second
individual characteristics, and wherein the instance of the online
service is provided external to the electronic device, the second
electronic device or the second computer.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the service user interface is a
common user interface that is used for each of the online services
when performing the ordering process.
22. The method of claim 20, wherein the online services comprise
two or more of: a transportation-related service, a food-related
service, and a healthcare-related service.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein the online services comprise
two or more of: car transportation, a ride-hailing application, a
take-out service, a prepared-meals service, a food-delivery
service, or a home-healthcare service.
24. The computer of claim 1, wherein the online services comprise
two or more of: car transportation, a ride-hailing application, a
take-out service, a prepared-meals service, a food-delivery
service, or a home-healthcare service.
25. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 12, wherein the
online services comprise two or more of: car transportation, a
ride-hailing application, a take-out service, a prepared-meals
service, a food-delivery service, or a home-healthcare service.
Description
BACKGROUND
Field
[0001] The described embodiments relate generally to a technique
for providing different user interfaces during an enrollment
process and an ordering process based on the capabilities of
different types of individuals.
Related Art
[0002] Trends in connectivity and in portable electronic devices
are resulting in dramatic changes in people's lives. For example,
the Internet now allows individuals access to vast amounts of
information, as well as the ability to identify and interact with
individuals, organizations and companies around the world. This has
resulted in a significant increase in online financial transactions
(which are sometimes referred to as `ecommerce`). Similarly, the
increasingly powerful computing and communication capabilities of
portable electronic device (such as smartphones and tablets), as
well as a large and growing set of applications, are accelerating
these changes, providing individuals access to information at
arbitrary locations and the ability to leverage this information to
perform a wide variety of tasks.
[0003] However, the technologies that form the basis of these
dramatic changes are often daunting or inaccessible to many
potential users. For example, senior citizens are often intimidated
by these technologies (which are relatively new innovations). In
addition, many of these technologies do not take into account the
cognitive and/or physical changes associated with aging. Therefore,
many seniors have difficulty in using the applications on
smartphones and/or websites on the Internet. Consequently, many
senior citizens and other affected populations are often unable to
benefit from the advantages provided by portable electronic devices
and the Internet.
SUMMARY
[0004] A first group of embodiments relates to a computer that
performs an enrollment process and provides an ordering process.
This computer includes: an interface circuit that communicates with
one or more electronic devices, a processor, and memory that stores
a program module. When executed by the processor, the program
module causes the computer to perform the enrollment process and to
provide the ordering process. In particular, during the enrollment
process, the computer provides first user-interface information for
a first electronic device that specifies an enrollment user
interface associated with first individual characteristics. In
response, the computer receives first user-interface activity
associated with the first electronic device that specifies
enrollment information for a service. Then, the computer provides
the enrollment information for a second computer associated with
the service. Subsequently, the computer provides the ordering
process. In particular, during the ordering process, the computer
provides second user-interface information for a second electronic
device that specifies a service user interface associated with
second individual characteristics. In response, the computer
receives second user-interface activity associated with the second
electronic device that specifies a request for an instance of the
service. Then, the computer provides the request for the instance
of the service for the second computer.
[0005] Note that the first individual characteristics may be
associated with a first type of individual that is more experienced
or savvy in using technology than a second type of individual
associated with the second individual characteristics. For example,
the second type of individual may be a senior citizen.
Alternatively, the first type of individual may be a peer of the
second type of individual (e.g., approximately the same age), but
that is more facile or comfortable in using technology than the
second type of user, or may be a concierge or a professional that
assists the second type of individual as part of the enrollment
process associated with the computer. More generally, the second
type of individual may have different capabilities or preferences
than the first type of individual. In some embodiments, the second
type of individual has different physical, mental or learning
capabilities than the first type of individual.
[0006] Moreover, the providing of the enrollment information may
involve establishing an account for the service.
[0007] Furthermore, the service may be associated with a third
party that is different from a provider of the enrollment process
and the ordering process.
[0008] Additionally, the first user-interface activity may specify
enrollment information for a second service, and the computer may
provide the enrollment information for a third computer associated
with the second service. Thus, the enrollment process may allow or
facilitate enrollment in multiple services, which may be associated
with one or more service providers. Moreover, the enrollment
process may be performed once, while the service process may be
performed multiple times.
[0009] In some embodiments, relative to the enrollment user
interface, the service user interface has: a larger font size, a
slower refresh rate, a longer timeout interval, displays
information closer to a center of a display, a larger strike area
associated with a virtual command icon based on hand jitter,
different contrast, simplified inputs, simplified navigation,
easier error recovery, text information to guide use of the service
user interface, and/or acoustic information to guide use of the
service user interface.
[0010] Note that the service user interface may be based on the
different capabilities or a learning style of the second type of
individual (e.g., the second characteristics may reflect the the
capabilities or learning style of the second type of individual).
Alternatively, or additionally, the service user interface may be
based on technical risk aversion of the second type of
individual.
[0011] While the enrollment user interface and the service user
interface may be different in the aforementioned ways, they may be
used by different individuals (such as a first individual, a second
individual, an administrator, a dependent individual, etc.) or the
same individual.
[0012] Other embodiments provide a computer-readable storage medium
for use with the computer, the first electronic device or the
second electronic device. When executed by the computer, the
computer-readable storage medium may cause the computer to perform
at least some of the aforementioned operations of the computer, the
first electronic device or the second electronic device.
[0013] Other embodiments provide a method for performing the
enrollment process and providing the ordering process. The method
includes at least some of the aforementioned operations performed
by the computer, the first electronic device or the second
electronic device.
[0014] A second group of embodiments relates to a computer that
provides a single user interface that can be used for an enrollment
process and an ordering process. This user interface may allow one
or more individuals to enroll and to use different services from
one or more service providers.
[0015] Other embodiments provide a computer-readable storage medium
for use with the computer, a first electronic device or a second
electronic device. When executed by the computer, the
computer-readable storage medium may cause the computer to perform
at least some of the aforementioned operations of the computer, the
first electronic device or the second electronic device.
[0016] Other embodiments provide a method for performing the
enrollment process and providing the ordering process. The method
includes at least some of the aforementioned operations performed
by the computer, the first electronic device or the second
electronic device.
[0017] A third group of embodiments relates to a computer that
allows a first type of individual to mirror or duplicate enrollment
information and/or configuration information associated with an
account of the first type of individual for an account of a second
type of individual, which may allow one or more individuals to
enroll and to use different services from one or more service
providers.
[0018] Other embodiments provide a computer-readable storage medium
for use with the computer, a first electronic device or a second
electronic device. When executed by the computer, the
computer-readable storage medium may cause the computer to perform
at least some of the aforementioned operations of the computer, the
first electronic device or the second electronic device.
[0019] Other embodiments provide a method for performing the
enrollment process and providing the ordering process. The method
includes at least some of the aforementioned operations performed
by the computer, the first electronic device or the second
electronic device.
[0020] This Summary is provided for purposes of illustrating some
exemplary embodiments, so as to provide a basic understanding of
some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly,
it will be appreciated that the above-described features are only
examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit
of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features,
aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will
become apparent from the following Detailed Description, Figures,
and Claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0021] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating electronic devices
communicating in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
performing an enrollment process and providing an ordering process
using a computer in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for
performing an enrollment process and an ordering process using an
electronic device in FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the
present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating communication between a
computer and electronic devices in FIG. 1 in accordance with an
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 5 is a drawing illustrating an enrollment user
interface in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 6 is a drawing illustrating a service user interface in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating an example of one of
the electronic devices of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment
of the present disclosure.
[0028] Note that like reference numerals refer to corresponding
parts throughout the drawings. Moreover, multiple instances of the
same part are designated by a common prefix separated from an
instance number by a dash.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] A computer that performs an enrollment process and provides
an ordering process is described. During the enrollment process,
the computer provides first user-interface information for a first
electronic device that specifies an enrollment user interface
associated with first individual characteristics. In response to
receiving first user-interface activity that specifies enrollment
information for a service, the computer provides the enrollment
information to a second computer associated with the service.
Subsequently, during the ordering process, the computer provides
second user-interface information that specifies a service user
interface associated with second individual characteristics. For
example, the first individual characteristics may be associated
with a first type of individual that is more experienced or savvy
in using technology than a second type of individual associated
with the second individual characteristics. In response to
receiving second user-interface activity that specifies a request
for an instance of the service, the computer provides the request
for the instance of the service to the second computer.
[0030] By separating the enrollment process and the ordering
process, this access technique may allow the enrollment user
interface and the service user interface to be tailored to the
needs (and, in particular, the cognitive and/or physical
capabilities) of different individuals. In this way, an adult or a
care provider can perform the enrollment process, while a senior
citizen or an individual with different physical, mental or
learning capabilities (such as a handicap or a disability) can
perform the ordering process. Moreover, the access technique may
allow a common and user-friendly service user interface to be used
to order services from a variety of third-party service providers.
Consequently, the access technique may facilitate use of one or
more services (such as car transportation, ride-hailing
applications, take-out, prepared meals, food delivery, shopping,
ecommerce, safe communication, home healthcare, etc.) by
individuals in populations that typically have difficulty in
accessing these services. In turn, by facilitating the use of such
services, the access technique may improve the mobility and quality
of life of these individuals, thereby enhancing customer
satisfaction with the access technique.
[0031] In the discussion that follows, an individual or a user may
be a person. Also, or instead, the access technique may be used by
any type of organization, such as a business, which should be
understood to include for-profit corporations, non-profit
corporations, groups (or cohorts) of individuals, sole
proprietorships, government agencies, partnerships, etc.
[0032] Moreover, in the discussion that follows, the computer
and/or electronic devices may communicate using a wide variety of
communication protocols. For example, the communication may involve
wired and/or wireless communication. Consequently, the
communication protocols may include: an Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard (which is sometimes
referred to as from the Wi-Fi Alliance of Austin, Tex.),
Bluetooth.RTM. (from the Bluetooth Special Interest Group of
Kirkland, Wash.), another type of wireless interface (such as
another wireless-local-area-network interface), a
cellular-telephone communication protocol (e.g., a 3G/4G
communication protocol, such as UMTS, LTE), an IEEE 802.3 standard
(which is sometimes referred to as `Ethernet`), etc. In the
discussion that follows, Ethernet and Wi-Fi are used as
illustrative examples.
[0033] Communication among electronic devices is shown in FIG. 1,
which presents a block diagram illustrating an example of a system
100 that performs the enrollment process and provides the ordering
process. In particular, system 100 includes one or more electronic
devices 110 (such as a smartphone, a laptop computer, a notebook
computer, a tablet, or another such electronic device) and optional
access point 112 may communicate wirelessly in a WLAN using an IEEE
802.11 communication protocol. Thus, electronic devices 110 may be
associated with access point 112. For example, electronic devices
110 and access point 112 may wirelessly communicate while:
detecting one another by scanning wireless channels, transmitting
and receiving beacons or beacon frames on wireless channels,
establishing connections (for example, by transmitting connect
requests), and/or transmitting and receiving packets or frames
(which may include the request and/or additional information, such
as data, as payloads). Note that access point 112 may provide
access to a network, such as the Internet, via an Ethernet
protocol, and may be a physical access point or a virtual or
`software` access point that is implemented on a computer or an
electronic device.
[0034] Moreover, system 100 includes optional base station 114 in
cellular-telephone network 116. In some embodiments, one of
electronic devices 110 (such as electronic device 110-1)
communicates with base station 114 (and, thus, cellular-telephone
network 116) using a cellular-telephone communication protocol.
[0035] Using access point 112 and/or cellular-telephone network
116, electronic devices 110 may communicate, via network 118 (such
as the Internet), with remote computers and servers, such as
computer 120 (which provides the access technique) and/or one or
more of computers 122 (which are associated with services offered
by one or more third parties, such as car transportation, food
delivery, ecommerce, etc.).
[0036] As described further below with reference to FIG. 7, the one
or more electronic devices 110, access point 112, base station 114,
and/or computer 120 may include subsystems, such as a networking
subsystem, a memory subsystem and a processor subsystem. In
addition, the one or more electronic devices 110, optional access
point 112, and/or optional base station 114 may include radios 124
in the networking subsystems. More generally, the components can
include (or can be included within) any electronic devices with the
networking subsystems that enable these components to communicate
with each other. Note that wireless communication can comprise
transmitting advertisements on wireless channels to enable a pair
of components to make initial contact or detect each other,
followed by exchanging subsequent data/management frames (such as
association requests and responses) to establish a connection,
configure security options (e.g., Internet Protocol Security),
transmit and receive packets or frames via the connection, etc.
[0037] Moreover, as can be seen in FIG. 1, wireless signals 126
(represented by jagged lines) are transmitted by radios 124 in the
components. For example, radio 124-1 in electronic device 110-1 may
transmit information (such as packets or frames) using wireless
signals 126. These wireless signals may be received by radios 124
in one or more of the other components, such as by access point 112
or base station 114. This may allow electronic device 110-1 to
communicate information with access point 112 or base station, and
thus, to computer 120.
[0038] In the described embodiments, processing a packet or frame
in a component may include: receiving the wireless signals with the
packet or frame; decoding/extracting the packet or frame from the
received wireless signals to acquire the packet or frame; and
processing the packet or frame to determine information contained
in the packet or frame (such as the user-interface information,
user-interface activity, associated data, etc.).
[0039] Note that the communication between at least any two of the
components in system 100 may be characterized by one or more of a
variety of performance metrics, such as: a received signal strength
indication (RSSI), a data rate, a data rate for successful
communication (which is sometimes referred to as a `throughput`),
an error rate (such as a retry or resend rate), a mean-square error
of equalized signals relative to an equalization target,
intersymbol interference, multipath interference, a signal-to-noise
ratio, a width of an eye pattern, a ratio of number of bytes
successfully communicated during a time interval (such as 1-10 s)
to an estimated maximum number of bytes that can be communicated in
the time interval (the latter of which is sometimes referred to as
the `capacity` of a communication channel or link), and/or a ratio
of an actual data rate to an estimated data rate (which is
sometimes referred to as `utilization`).
[0040] As described previously, many prospective users or
individuals are intimated by or unable to use the technologies that
are driving large-scale changes in society. For example, because of
cognitive and/or physical changes, senior citizens are often unable
to use the user interfaces on smartphone applications of Internet
websites, which are often not developed with their capabilities or
preferences in mind. Similar challenges affect other potential
users or individuals that have physical or mental handicaps or
learning disabilities (which are sometimes referred to as
`handicaps`), and more generally different physical, mental or
learning capabilities or preferences.
[0041] In order to address these challenges and to facilitate
increased use of online services that are typically provided via
smartphones or websites, computer 120 may implement the access
technique. In particular, as described further below with reference
to FIGS. 2-4, during the enrollment process in the access technique
a first individual using electronic device 110-1 (such as the adult
offspring of a senior citizen, an adult that is caring for a child,
a care provider or administrator for a second individual, e.g., an
individual with a disability, etc.) may launch a first application
installed on electronic device 110-1 or may access, via network
118, computer 120 (such by providing a network address, e.g., a
URL, of computer 120). In response, enrollment module 128 on
computer 120 may provide, via network 118, first user-interface
information for electronic device 110-1 that specifies an
enrollment user interface associated with first individual
characteristics. Note that the first individual characteristics may
be associated with a first type of individual (such as the first
individual) that has cognitive and/or physical capabilities that
exceed one or more thresholds and, more generally, that are
associated with a particular classification (such as users that
have good visual acuity, good color vision, strong fine-motor
capability, who are willing to use new technology or services, who
are comfortable with or less capable in exploring or navigating
through new information, who have flexible learning strategies, who
are comfortable, experienced or savvy in using technology,
etc.).
[0042] After receiving the enrollment user interface, electronic
device 110-1 may display the enrollment user interface. The first
individual may interact with the enrollment user interface to
specify enrollment information needed to enroll the second
individual for one or more services (such as a service) provided by
one or more third-party service providers (such as a third-party
service provider). This enrollment information may include account
information (such as credentials, e.g., a username and a password,
one or more addresses where services may be provided, contact
information, etc.), health information of the second individual
(such as information that specifies a medical condition, special
medical needs of the second individual, healthcare-provider
information, etc.), preferences (such as usability settings,
privacy, service-usage constraints) and/or financial information
(such as a credit-card or debit-card number and, more generally,
payment information). Electronic device 110-1 may provide, via
network 118, the enrollment information (and, more generally,
information that specifies first user-interface activity) to
computer 120. Then, computer 120 may provide, via network 118, the
enrollment information to one of computers 122 (such as computer
122-1). This may set up an account for the service with computer
122-1, such as an account for the first individual and/or the
second individual. Note that the first individual may repeat the
enrollment process multiple times in order to set up accounts for
different services that are provided by one or more third-party
service providers, and which are hosted on one or more of computers
122. Alternatively, the enrollment process may allow the first
individual to enroll concurrently for different services that are
provided by one or more third-party service providers, which may
allow the enrollment process to be performed once. Thus, in either
of these embodiments, the first user-interface activity may specify
enrollment information for a second service, and computer 120 may
provide, via network 118, the enrollment information to another one
of computers 122 (such as computer 122-2) that is associated with
the second service.
[0043] In some embodiments, the first individual functions as an
`administrator` for the second individual, thereby providing help
or assistance for the second individual (who may have additional
need for assistance in navigating and setting up accounts, etc.).
As described further below, for security purposes, the first
individual may hide or obfuscate the financial information and/or
the health information during the enrollment process, and may
provide such sensitive information when contacted directly or
following two-factor authentication. During the enrollment process,
the first individual may also perform training for the second
individual on features associated with a particular service and/or
may tailor or specify the specific features or configuration of a
service user interface for the second individual.
[0044] After the enrollment process is completed, the second
individual (such as a senior citizen, an individual older than age
60, 65 or 70, an individual with different physical, mental or
learning capabilities or preferences than the first individual, an
individual with a physical handicap, a mental handicap, a learning
disability, a child or ward with a disability, etc.) may use the
same or another electronic device (such as electronic device 110-2)
to access or order one of the services. In particular, during the
ordering process in the access technique, the second individual may
launch a second application installed on electronic device 110-2 or
may access, via network 118, computer 120 (such by providing the
network address, e.g., the URL, of computer 120). Note that the
second application may be the same as or different than the first
application.
[0045] In response, ordering module 130 on computer 120 may
provide, via network 118, second user-interface information for
electronic device 110-2 that specifies the service user interface
associated with second individual characteristics. Note that the
second individual characteristics may correspond to
cognitive/mental and/or physical capabilities that are less than
one or more thresholds (such as reduced or impaired short-term
memory, episodic memory and/or prospective memory) and, more
generally, that are associated with a particular classification
(such as users that have reduced visual acuity or color vision,
reduced fine-motor capability, who are less willing to use new
technology or services, who are less comfortable with or adroit in
exploring or navigating through new information, who have less
flexible learning strategies, who are less comfortable, experienced
or savvy in using technology, who have a different attitude or
knowledge that the first type of user, etc.). Moreover, as
described further below with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, relative
to the enrollment user interface, the service user interface may be
tailored to the needs, capabilities or preferences of the second
individual.
[0046] After receiving the service user interface, electronic
device 110-2 may display the service user interface. The second
individual may interact with the service user interface to specify
service information needed to request an instance of a service
provided by a third-party service provider (and, more generally,
one of multiple services provided by one or more third-party
service providers). This service information may include an
identifier of the service, a location where the service is to be
provided, an identifier of or information that specifies a product
that is to be delivered, etc. Electronic device 110-2 may provide,
via network 118, the service information (and, more generally,
information that specifies second user-interface activity) to
computer 120. Then, computer 120 may provide, via network 118, the
service information to one of computers 122 (such as computer
122-1).
[0047] Note that the second individual may repeat the ordering
process multiple times in order to access or request instances of
one or more services provided by the one or more third-party
service providers, and which are hosted on or associated with one
or more of computers 122. However, instead of being forced to
interact with or navigate multiple different user interfaces for
these services, the second individual may use the service user
interface provided by computer 122. Therefore, computer 120, which
may be associated with a different provider than the third-party
service providers, may provide a common and, thus, a familiar
environment for requesting the one or more services.
[0048] In some embodiments, the first individual is included in a
portion of the ordering process. For example, the first individual
may be requested to approve service requests or outbound payments
of the second individual. Thus, computer 120 may provide, via
network 118, an authorization message to electronic device 110-1,
and in response may receive an authorization response from
electronic device 110-1 (which may include two-factor
authentication of the first individual). Alternatively, or
additionally, during the enrollment process, the first individual
may define or may approve a `whitelist` of preapproved services,
locations and/or transactions, such as specific types of
meals/products that can be ordered, content that can be viewed,
trips to certain locations (e.g., healthcare providers, friends,
family, etc.). Similarly, during the enrollment process the first
individual may define or approve a `blacklist` of declined
services, such as an online or a physical casino if the second
person has a gambling addiction, or an online or a physical liquor
store or pharmacy if the second person has a dependency on alcohol
or a prescription medication. Whitelisting a location once during
the enrollment process would enable the second individual to do
what they wanted without feeling that they need to always ask
permission (or feel like they are being tracked) by the first
individual, which can have negative emotional consequences (such as
making the second individual feel that they are a burden by asking
for permission or help). Thus, the administrator role of the first
individual in the access technique may be subtle, but powerful.
[0049] In some embodiments, the first individual can view a log of
the activity of the second individual in order to monitor their
activities, and the system can detect patterns or changes in
patterns and alert the first individual. For example, if the second
individual was using their unlimited travel privileges intended for
travel to a grocery store, but instead was going to a backlisted
liquor store next door, the pattern may be detected, such as by
using geofencing and/or by sharing the monitored location of the
second individual over time with the first individual. In this
case, the first individual may subsequently blacklist a previously
whitelisted location, and may select one or more alternative
whitelisted location where the second individual has unlimited
travel privileges.
[0050] In this way, the access technique may allow the first
individual to perform tasks (such as setting up one or more
accounts) that are more difficult for the second individual, and
may provide a service user interface that encourages or facilitates
the second individual to use the one or more services. In
particular, the access technique may allow the first individual to
perform a one-time enrollment process (for one or more services)
that enables the second individual to order one or more services
one or more times (such as multiple, different instances of a
service). This separate onboarding and ordering allows the
associated user interfaces to be optimized based on individual
needs, capabilities and/or preferences, and allows a `one click` or
simplified user experience. In addition, the access technique may
facilitate unified billing for multiple services, which may be
handled by the provider of the access technique. More generally,
the access technique may allow individuals with different
characteristics and capabilities to cooperate more effectively to
allow a first type of individual to assist the second type of
individual. Consequently, the access technique may make it easier
for the first individual to help care or provide for the second
individual, and may improve the mobility and quality of life of the
first individual. As noted previously, the first individual may
function as an `administrator` for the second individual, providing
advice, suggestions, teaching and/or training, thereby allowing the
second individual to `discover` and use one or more services that
can benefit the second individual.
[0051] While the enrollment user interface and the service user
interface may be different in the aforementioned ways, they may be
used by different individuals (such as the first individual, the
second individual, an administrator, a dependent individual, etc.)
or the same individual.
[0052] Although we describe the network environment shown in FIG. 1
as an example, in alternative embodiments, different numbers or
types of electronic devices may be present. For example, some
embodiments comprise more or fewer components. As another example,
in another embodiment, different components are transmitting and/or
receiving packets or frames.
[0053] FIG. 2 presents embodiments of a flow diagram illustrating
an example of a method 200 for performing an enrollment process and
providing an ordering process, which may be performed by a computer
(such as computer 120 in FIG. 1). During operation, the computer
may perform an enrollment process 210. In particular, the computer
may provide first user-interface information (operation 212) for a
first electronic device that specifies an enrollment user interface
associated with first individual characteristics. In response, the
computer may receive first user-interface activity (operation 214)
associated with the first electronic device that specifies
enrollment information for a service. Then, the computer may
provide the enrollment information (operation 216) for a second
computer associated with the service. Note that the service may be
associated with a third party (such as a third-party service
provider) that is different from a provider of the enrollment
process and the ordering process.
[0054] Subsequently, the computer provides the ordering process
218. In particular, the computer may provide second user-interface
information (operation 220) for a second electronic device that
specifies a service user interface associated with second
individual characteristics. Note that the first individual
characteristics may be associated with a first type of individual
that is more experienced or savvy in using technology than a second
type of individual associated with the second individual
characteristics. For example, the second type of individual may be
a senior citizen. Alternatively, the first type of individual may
be a peer of the second type of individual (e.g., approximately the
same age, such as within 10 years of age as the second type of
individual), but that is more facile or comfortable in using
technology than the second type of user, or may be a concierge or a
professional than assists the second type of individual as part of
the enrollment process associated with the computer (e.g., the
concierge may be associated with a provider of the enrollment
process, such as a contractor or an employee). More generally, the
second type of individual may have different capabilities than the
first type of individual. In some embodiments, the second type of
individual has different physical, mental or learning capabilities
or preferences than the first type of individual. In some
embodiments, relative to the enrollment user interface, the service
user interface has: a larger font size, a slower refresh rate, a
longer timeout interval, displays information closer to a center of
a display, a larger strike area associated with a virtual command
icon based on hand jitter, different contrast, simplified inputs,
simplified navigation, easier error recovery, special
notifications, special reminders, special alarms, text information
to guide an individual in using the service user interface, and/or
acoustic information to guide the individual in using the service
user interface. Note that the service user interface may be based
on a learning style of the second type of individual.
Alternatively, or additionally, the service user interface may be
based on technical risk aversion of the second type of
individual.
[0055] In response, the computer may receive second user-interface
activity (operation 222) associated with the second electronic
device that specifies a request for an instance of the service.
Then, the computer may provide the request (operation 224) for the
instance of the service for the second computer.
[0056] In some embodiments, the computer optionally performs one or
more additional operations (operation 226). For example, the
providing of the enrollment information (operation 216) may involve
establishing an account for the service. Alternatively, or
additionally, the first user-interface activity may specify
enrollment information for a second service, and the computer may
provide the enrollment information for a third computer associated
with the second service.
[0057] In embodiments where the first type of individual is a
concierge or a professional, information learned about the
enrollment process may subsequently be used to at least partially
automate the enrollment process. Thus, initially, there may be a
first type of individual (such as a concierge). However,
subsequently or over time, the role of the first type of individual
may be reduced or eliminated and replaced by software that performs
some or all of their function. Moreover, note that during the
enrollment process, the enrollment user interface may collect
information for multiple services. For example, the enrollment user
interface may collect a superset of the information needed for
multiple services. Then, the first type of individual may specify
or select one or more services, and the computer may use the
superset of information to perform enrollment and/or establish
accounts with the specified or selected one or more services.
Alternatively, the first type of individual may perform the
enrollment process for a first service using the enrollment user
interface. Subsequently, the computer may use the information
provided by the first type of individual to establish additional
accounts for one or more additional services. In one or more of
these ways, the enrollment process may be, at least in part,
automated, thereby improving the user experience and fulfillment by
making the enrollment user interface easier to use and by making
the enrollment process faster.
[0058] FIG. 3 presents embodiments of a flow diagram illustrating
an example of a method 300 for performing an enrollment process 310
and ordering process 316, which may be performed by one or more
electronic devices (such as electronic device 110-1 and/or 110-2 in
FIG. 1). During operation, a first electronic device may perform an
enrollment process. In particular, the first electronic device may
receive the first user-interface information (operation 312)
associated with the computer that specifies the enrollment user
interface associated with the first individual characteristics.
Then, the first electronic device may provide the first
user-interface activity (operation 314) for the computer that
specifies the enrollment information for the service.
[0059] Subsequently, a second electronic device (which may be the
same as or different from the first electronic device) may perform
the ordering process. In particular, the second electronic device
may receive the second user-interface information (operation 318)
associated with the computer that specifies the service user
interface associated with the second individual characteristics.
Next, the second electronic device may provide the second
user-interface activity (operation 320) for the computer that
specifies the request for the instance of the service.
[0060] In some embodiments of methods 200 and/or 300 (FIG. 3) there
may be additional or fewer operations. Moreover, the order of the
operations may be changed, and/or two or more operations may be
combined into a single operation or performed at least partially in
parallel.
[0061] The access technique is further illustrated in FIG. 4, which
presents a flow diagram illustrating an example of communication
between electronic device 110-1, electronic device 110-2, computer
120 and computer 122-1. In particular, a first individual using
electronic device 110-1 may activate a virtual icon on a
touch-sensitive display 410 in electronic device 110-1 (such as a
virtual icon that requests an enrollment process or application for
one or more services), which may provide user-interface activity
412 that specifies this selection to processor 414. In turn,
processor 414 may provide user-interface activity 412 to interface
circuit (I.C.) 416, which may provide user-interface activity 412
to computer 120.
[0062] After receiving user-interface activity 412, interface
circuit 418 in computer 120 may provide user-interface activity 412
to processor 420. In response, processor 420, which may be
executing an enrollment module, may provide user-interface
information 422 that specifies an enrollment user interface 424
associated with first individual characteristics. Then, interface
circuit 418 may provide user-interface information 422 to
electronic device 110-1.
[0063] After receiving user-interface information 422, interface
circuit 416 may provide user-interface information 422 to processor
414, which then may provide user-interface information 422 to
touch-sensitive display 410. Next, touch-sensitive display 410 may
display enrollment user interface 424. Moreover, the first
individual may interact with enrollment user interface 424 (such as
activating one or more virtual icons, radial buttons, text entry
boxes, user-interface features, etc.). This user-interface activity
426 may specify enrollment information 428 for a service.
Furthermore, touch-sensitive display 410 may provide user-interface
activity 426 that includes or specifies enrollment information 428
to processor 414, which may provide user-interface activity 426 to
interface circuit 416, which may provide user-interface activity
426 to computer 120.
[0064] After receiving user-interface activity 426, interface
circuit 418 may provide user-interface activity 426 to processor
420. Based on enrollment information 428, processor 420 may provide
enrollment information 428 to interface circuit 418, which may
provide enrollment information 428 to a computer 122-1 that is
associated with the service. In particular, computer 122-1 may use
enrollment information 428 to establish an account for the
service.
[0065] Subsequently, a second individual of electronic device 110-2
may activate a virtual icon on a touch-sensitive display 430 in
electronic device 110-2 (such as a virtual icon that requests an
ordering process or application for one or more services), which
may provide user-interface activity 432 that specifies this
selection to processor 434. In turn, processor 434 may provide
user-interface activity 432 to interface circuit 436, which may
provide user-interface activity 412 to computer 120.
[0066] After receiving user-interface activity 432, interface
circuit 418 may provide user-interface activity 432 to processor
420. In response, processor 420, which may be executing an ordering
module, may provide user-interface information 438 that specifies a
service user interface 440 associated with second individual
characteristics. Then, interface circuit 418 may provide
user-interface information 438 to electronic device 110-2.
[0067] After receiving user-interface information 438, interface
circuit 436 may provide user-interface information 438 to processor
434, which then may provide user-interface information 438 to
touch-sensitive display 430. Next, touch-sensitive display 430 may
display service user interface 440. Moreover, the second individual
may interact with service user interface 440 (such as activating
one or more virtual icons, radial buttons, text entry boxes,
user-interface features, etc.). This user-interface activity 442
may specifies request 444 for an instance of the service.
Furthermore, touch-sensitive display 430 may provide user-interface
activity 442 that includes or specifies request 444 to processor
434, which may provide user-interface activity 442 to interface
circuit 436, which may provide user-interface activity 442 to
computer 120.
[0068] After receiving user-interface activity 442, interface
circuit 418 may provide user-interface activity 442 to processor
420. Based on request 444, processor 420 may provide request 444 to
interface circuit 418, which may provide request 444 to computer
122-1 that is associated with the service. In particular, computer
122-1 may use request 444 to provide the instance the service to
the second individual based on the account established using
enrollment information 428.
Representative Embodiments
[0069] In some embodiments, the access technique is used to provide
different user interfaces for different types of users. FIG. 5
presents a drawing illustrating an example of an enrollment user
interface 500, which may be provided by computer 120 (FIG. 1). This
user interface may include fields that allow a first individual or
a first type of individual having first individual characteristics
to specify or select: account information 510, financial
information 512, service information 514, and/or preferences 516.
Note that account information 510 may include account credentials,
such as a username and a password. Moreover, financial information
512 may include credit-card or debit-card information. Furthermore,
service information 514 may include a type of service, one or more
addresses where the service is to be provided, and details of the
service that is to be provided. For example, the first individual
may use enrollment user interface 500 to set up an account with a
third-party service provider for the service. In addition, the
first individual may use enrollment user interface 500 to predefine
details of the service, such as transportation from a first
location to a second location at a particular time of day on a
particular day or on an ongoing basis, etc. In some embodiments,
preferences 516 includes: usability settings, privacy, and/or
service-usage constraints.
[0070] FIG. 6 presents a drawing illustrating an example of a
service user interface 600, which may be provided by computer 120
(FIG. 1). This service user interface may include one or more
ordering fields 610 that can be used by a second individual or a
second type of individual having second individual characteristics
to request an instance of the service. Relative enrollment user
interface 500, service user interface 600 may second individual
characteristics. In particular, service user interface may: have a
larger font size (such as a font size that is greater than an
age-dependent angular resolution of the second type of individual),
avoid or reduce the use of blue hues or colors in text, provide
subtitles for video or audio, have a slower refresh rate, have a
longer timeout interval, display information closer to a center of
a display, have a larger strike area associated with a virtual
command icon based on hand jitter of the second type of individual,
have different contrast, simplified inputs, simplified navigation,
easier error recovery (such as an easy way to restore or recover a
previous state of service user interface 600, a `home` button or
icon to return to a landing page, etc.), have special
notifications, reminders or alarms, be easier to use, have
increased icon sizes (such as at least 9.6 mm diagonally), have
increased inter-icon spacing (such as icons that are at least 2 mm
apart), include text information or clues to guide the second type
individual in using service user interface 600, include progress
feedback (such as visual clues regarding progress), avoid splitting
tasks into multiple screens, include shortcuts to previous
selections (such as a previous request for an instance of the
service), avoid multitasking by the second type of individual,
include acoustic information to guide the second type of individual
in using service user interface 600, include another type of
scaffolding to assist use by the second type of individual and/or
not assume prior knowledge of user-interface features by the second
type of individual. Note that service user interface 600 may be
based on a learning style of the second type of individual.
Alternatively, or additionally, service user interface 600 may be
based on technical risk aversion of the second type of individual.
More generally, the second type of individual may have different
physical, mental and/or learning capabilities or preferences than
the first type of individual, and the first individual
characteristics and the second individual characteristics may,
therefore, be defined relative to each other or may be have
absolute values.
[0071] Note that the individual characteristics may be predefined
for a particular electronic device (such as during the enrollment
process). Thus, subsequently, computer 120 (FIG. 1) may identify
the individual characteristics associated with a particular
electronic device based on an identifier of the electronic device
(such as based on a MAC address or an IP address). Alternatively,
or additionally, the individual characteristics may be specified or
selected by a given individual that uses or that is associated with
a particular electronic device during a given session. In some
embodiments, the individual characteristics are automatically
determined by a given electronic device or computer 120 (FIG. 1),
such as based on behaviors when an individual is using (or not
using) features in a user interface or an application.
Alternatively, or additionally, the individual characteristics may
be automatically determined based on sensor data, such as: analysis
of one or more images acquired by an imaging sensor (e.g.,
biometric identification, gate or stability analysis, ocular
analysis of an individual's vision, determination of an
individual's gaze or viewing direction, etc.), analysis of sound
acquired by one or more microphones (e.g., voice recognition, age
identification, etc.), analysis of data from a motion sensor (such
as gate or stability analysis of data from a gyroscope, an
accelerometer, etc.), analysis of behavior when an individual is
using a given user interface (such as fine-motor control based on
variation in a contact point relative to a strike area of a virtual
icon on a touch-sensitive display), handwriting analysis, etc.
[0072] We now describe embodiments of an electronic device. FIG. 7
presents a block diagram of an example of an electronic device 700
(which may be a cellular telephone, an access point, a base
station, a computer or another electronic device, etc.). This
electronic device includes processing subsystem 710, memory
subsystem 712, and networking subsystem 714. Processing subsystem
710 includes one or more devices configured to perform
computational operations. For example, processing subsystem 710 can
include one or more microprocessors, application-specific
integrated circuits (ASICs), microcontrollers, programmable-logic
devices, graphical processing units and/or one or more digital
signal processors (DSPs).
[0073] Memory subsystem 712 includes one or more devices for
storing data and/or instructions for processing subsystem 710 and
networking subsystem 714. For example, memory subsystem 712 can
include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access
memory (SRAM), a read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and/or other
types of memory. In some embodiments, instructions for processing
subsystem 710 in memory subsystem 712 include: one or more program
modules or sets of instructions (such as program module 722 or
operating system 724), which may be executed by processing
subsystem 710. For example, a ROM can store programs, utilities or
processes to be executed in a non-volatile manner, and DRAM can
provide volatile data storage, and may store instructions related
to the operation of electronic device 700. Note that the one or
more computer programs may constitute a computer-program mechanism
or software, and may be stored on a computer-readable storage
medium. Moreover, instructions in the various modules in memory
subsystem 712 may be implemented in: a high-level procedural
language, an object-oriented programming language, and/or in an
assembly or machine language. Furthermore, the programming language
may be compiled or interpreted, e.g., configurable or configured
(which may be used interchangeably in this discussion), to be
executed by processing subsystem 710. In some embodiments, the one
or more computer programs are distributed over a network-coupled
computer system so that the one or more computer programs are
stored and executed in a distributed manner. For example, some or
all of the functions or operations performed by computer 120 (FIG.
1) may be implemented locally on an electronic device (such as
electronic device 110-1 in FIG. 1) in an application or program
module that is installed on and that executes in an operating
environment of the electronic device. Moreover, some or all of the
functions or operations performed by computer 120 (FIG. 1) may be
implemented on a computer system or a group of electronic devices,
which may be a single location or which may be geographically
distributed.
[0074] In addition, memory subsystem 712 can include mechanisms for
controlling access to the memory. In some embodiments, memory
subsystem 712 includes a memory hierarchy that comprises one or
more caches coupled to a memory in electronic device 700. In some
of these embodiments, one or more of the caches is located in
processing subsystem 710.
[0075] In some embodiments, memory subsystem 712 is coupled to one
or more high-capacity mass-storage devices (not shown). For
example, memory subsystem 712 can be coupled to a magnetic or
optical drive, a solid-state drive, or another type of mass-storage
device. In these embodiments, memory subsystem 712 can be used by
electronic device 700 as fast-access storage for often-used data,
while the mass-storage device is used to store less frequently used
data.
[0076] Networking subsystem 714 includes one or more devices
configured to couple to and communicate on a wired and/or wireless
network (i.e., to perform network operations), including: control
logic 716, an interface circuit 718, a set of antennas 720 (or
antenna elements) in an adaptive array that can be selectively
turned on and/or off by control logic 716 to create a variety of
optional antenna patterns or `beam patterns,` and/or input/output
(I/O) port 732. (While FIG. 7 includes set of antennas 720, in some
embodiments electronic device 700 includes one or more nodes, such
as nodes 708, e.g., a pad, which can be coupled to set of antennas
720. Thus, electronic device 700 may or may not include set of
antennas 720.) For example, networking subsystem 714 can include a
Bluetooth.TM. networking system, a cellular networking system
(e.g., a 3G/4G/5G network such as UMTS, LTE, etc.), a universal
serial bus (USB) networking system, a networking system based on
the standards described in IEEE 802.11 (e.g., a Wi-Fi.RTM.
networking system), an Ethernet networking system, and/or another
networking system.
[0077] Networking subsystem 714 includes processors, controllers,
radios/antennas, sockets/plugs, and/or other devices used for
coupling to, communicating on, and handling data and events for
each supported networking system. Note that mechanisms used for
coupling to, communicating on, and handling data and events on the
network for each network system are sometimes collectively referred
to as a `network interface` for the network system. Moreover, in
some embodiments a `network` or a `connection` between the
electronic devices does not yet exist. Therefore, electronic device
700 may use the mechanisms in networking subsystem 714 for
performing simple wireless communication between the electronic
devices, e.g., transmitting advertising or frame frames and/or
scanning for advertising frames transmitted by other electronic
devices.
[0078] Within electronic device 700, processing subsystem 710,
memory subsystem 712, and networking subsystem 714 are coupled
together using bus 728 that facilitates data transfer between these
components. Bus 728 may include an electrical, optical, and/or
electro-optical connection that the subsystems can use to
communicate commands and data among one another. Although only one
bus 728 is shown for clarity, different embodiments can include a
different number or configuration of electrical, optical, and/or
electro-optical connections among the subsystems.
[0079] In some embodiments, electronic device 700 includes a
display subsystem 726 for displaying information on a display,
which may include a display driver and the display, such as a
liquid-crystal display, a multi-touch touchscreen, etc. Display
subsystem 726 may be controlled by processing subsystem 710 to
display information to a user (e.g., information relating to a user
interface or user-interface activity).
[0080] Electronic device 700 can also include a user-input
subsystem 730 that allows a user of the electronic device 700 to
interact with electronic device 700. For example, user-input
subsystem 730 can take a variety of forms, such as: a button,
keypad, dial, touch screen, audio input interface, visual/image
capture input interface, input in the form of sensor data, etc.
[0081] Electronic device 700 can be (or can be included in) any
electronic device with at least one network interface. For example,
electronic device 700 may include: a cellular telephone or a
smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a notebook
computer, a personal or desktop computer, a netbook computer, a
media player device, an electronic book device, a MiFi.RTM. device,
a smartwatch, a wearable computing device, a portable computing
device, a consumer-electronic device, an access point, a router, a
switch, communication equipment, test equipment, as well as any
other type of electronic computing device.
[0082] Although specific components are used to describe electronic
device 700, in alternative embodiments, different components and/or
subsystems may be present in electronic device 700. For example,
electronic device 700 may include one or more additional processing
subsystems, memory subsystems, networking subsystems, and/or
display subsystems. Additionally, one or more of the subsystems may
not be present in electronic device 700. For example, two or more
components or subsystems in electronic device 700 may be
implemented on a single integrated circuit, such as processing
subsystem 710 and networking subsystem 714, which may be
implemented using a system-on-chip integrated circuit. Moreover, in
some embodiments, electronic device 700 may include one or more
additional subsystems that are not shown in FIG. 7. Also, although
separate subsystems are shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments some
or all of a given subsystem or component can be integrated into one
or more of the other subsystems or component(s) in electronic
device 700. For example, in some embodiments program module 722 is
included in operating system 724 and/or control logic 716 is
included in interface circuit 718.
[0083] Moreover, the circuits and components in electronic device
700 may be implemented using any combination of analog and/or
digital circuitry, including: bipolar, PMOS and/or NMOS gates or
transistors. Furthermore, signals in these embodiments may include
digital signals that have approximately discrete values and/or
analog signals that have continuous values. Additionally,
components and circuits may be single-ended or differential, and
power supplies may be unipolar or bipolar.
[0084] An integrated circuit (which is sometimes referred to as a
`communication circuit`) may implement some or all of the
functionality of networking subsystem 714. This integrated circuit
may include hardware and/or software mechanisms that are used for
transmitting wireless signals from electronic device 700 and
receiving signals at electronic device 700 from other electronic
devices. Aside from the mechanisms herein described, radios are
generally known in the art and hence are not described in detail.
In general, networking subsystem 714 and/or the integrated circuit
can include any number of radios. Note that the radios in
multiple-radio embodiments function in a similar way to the
described single-radio embodiments.
[0085] In some embodiments, networking subsystem 714 and/or the
integrated circuit include a configuration mechanism (such as one
or more hardware and/or software mechanisms) that configures the
radio(s) to transmit and/or receive on a given communication
channel (e.g., a given carrier frequency). For example, in some
embodiments, the configuration mechanism can be used to switch the
radio from monitoring and/or transmitting on a given communication
channel to monitoring and/or transmitting on a different
communication channel. (Note that `monitoring` as used herein
comprises receiving signals from other electronic devices and
possibly performing one or more processing operations on the
received signals)
[0086] In some embodiments, an output of a process for designing
the integrated circuit, or a portion of the integrated circuit,
which includes one or more of the circuits described herein may be
a computer-readable medium such as, for example, a magnetic tape or
an optical or magnetic disk. The computer-readable medium may be
encoded with data structures or other information describing
circuitry that may be physically instantiated as the integrated
circuit or the portion of the integrated circuit. Although various
formats may be used for such encoding, these data structures are
commonly written in: Caltech Intermediate Format (CIF), Calma GDS
II Stream Format (GDSII) or Electronic Design Interchange Format
(EDIF). Those of skill in the art of integrated circuit design can
develop such data structures from schematic diagrams of the type
detailed above and the corresponding descriptions and encode the
data structures on the computer-readable medium. Those of skill in
the art of integrated circuit fabrication can use such encoded data
to fabricate integrated circuits that include one or more of the
circuits described herein.
[0087] While the preceding discussion used a cellular-telephone
communication protocol, a Wi-Fi communication protocol and/or
Ethernet as an illustrative example, in other embodiments a wide
variety of communication protocols and, more generally,
communication techniques may be used. Thus, the access technique
may be used in a variety of network interfaces. Furthermore, while
some of the operations in the preceding embodiments were
implemented in hardware or software, in general the operations in
the preceding embodiments can be implemented in a wide variety of
configurations and architectures. Therefore, some or all of the
operations in the preceding embodiments may be performed in
hardware, in software or both. For example, at least some of the
operations in the access technique may be implemented using program
module 722, operating system 724 (such as a driver for interface
circuit 718) or in firmware in interface circuit 718.
Alternatively, or additionally, at least some of the operations in
the access technique may be implemented in a physical layer, such
as hardware in interface circuit 718.
[0088] While examples of numerical values are provided in the
preceding discussion, in other embodiments different numerical
values are used. Consequently, the numerical values provided are
not intended to be limiting.
[0089] In some embodiments, a computer (such as computer 120 in
FIG. 1) provides a single user interface that can be used for an
enrollment process and an ordering process. This user interface may
allow one or more individuals to enroll and to use different
services from one or more third-party service providers. For
example, the user interface may be associated with the first
individual characteristics or the second individual
characteristics. Thus, in some embodiments the enrollment process
and the ordering process may be performed using a user interface
that is associated with the first individual characteristics or the
second individual characteristics, such as a single user interface
that is `senior friendly.`
[0090] Moreover, in some embodiments, a computer (such as computer
120 in FIG. 1) allows a first type of individual (such as a first
individual having first individual characteristics) to mirror or
duplicate enrollment information and/or configuration information
associated with an account of the first type of individual for an
account of a second type of individual (such as an account for a
second individual with a provider of the access technique), which
may allow one or more individuals to enroll and to use different
services from one or more service providers. For example, after the
mirroring or duplication, the second individual may use the service
user interface or the single user interface to perform the ordering
process.
[0091] In the preceding description, we refer to `some
embodiments.` Note that `some embodiments` describes a subset of
all of the possible embodiments, but does not always specify the
same subset of embodiments.
[0092] The foregoing description is intended to enable any person
skilled in the art to make and use the disclosure, and is provided
in the context of a particular application and its requirements.
Moreover, the foregoing descriptions of embodiments of the present
disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and
description only. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to
limit the present disclosure to the forms disclosed. Accordingly,
many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners
skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may
be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing
from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Additionally,
the discussion of the preceding embodiments is not intended to
limit the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is not
intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be
accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and
features disclosed herein.
* * * * *